The failed application to redevelop the former Newson’s site on Douglas’s North Quay will be appealed by the owners after they previously announced they would sell the property.

Kelproperties saw its application to rebuild on the site rejected by the planning committee after a report which stated the company had not provided sufficient evidence in regards to the benefit of demolishing the registered building.

Company spokesperson Michael Josem, said the decision to appeal came after ‘overwhelming’ public support and a feeling that the company had not received fair treatment, he said: ‘There was an unfairness shown in allowing our side to only speak for a timed three minutes, and yet five members of the planning team together with their consultant and also several public members were allowed to constantly speak against the plans.

‘This cannot be fair play, and after initially saying we had given up and would sell the site, we are now digging in for the fight.

‘We now hope that we can rehabilitate the former Newson’s site on appeal, and help create and connect North Quay in Douglas to be a beautiful, responsible and exciting improvement to our town.’ He added.

Kelproperties bought the site in 2016 with a planning report stating that as ‘the application fails to demonstrate that any meaningful repair or maintenance has been undertaken by the owner since 2016 any argument for the loss of the building due to its condition must be mindful of this evidence.’

That report, which suggested a rejection of the application, concluded that the loss of the centuries old building ‘would be to the detriment of the conservation area where no clear and convincing justification has been made.’

The appeal goes to the Cabinet Office for review.